Islamabad, The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in Pakistan has initiated the first phase of its internal reforms aimed at enhancing the fairness and efficiency of its operations. These changes include new guidelines for handling complaints and a focus on major corruption and money laundering cases.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the new reforms stipulate that incomplete and anonymous complaints will be dismissed at the outset. The guidelines are designed to weed out malicious and frivolous complaints, which will now be considered cognizable offenses and subject to legal action.
Complaint submission under the new guidelines requires complete personal details of the applicant along with an affidavit confirming the accuracy and good faith of the information provided. Failure to prove allegations can result in legal action against the complainant.
In a significant shift towards respecting the dignity of individuals under investigation, those complained against will be referred to as “Defendants,” and their identities will be kept confidential until guilt is established.
Dedicated Complaint Cells have been set up at the NAB headquarters in Islamabad and regional bureaus. These cells, supervised by the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of NAB, will investigate complaints at the initial stage, ensuring completion of the complaint verification process within seven to fifteen days. During this period, the defendant will not be called.
Special protocols have been established for processing complaints against elected officials, bureaucrats, and businessmen. Complaints against officials up to BPS-19 will be authorized by Regional Director Generals, while those against officers of BS-20 and above will require authorization from the Chairman of NAB. Additionally, government officials will not be required to appear in person during the verification and inquiry stages.
Accountability Facilitation Cells and Business Facilitation Cells are being established for government officials and businessmen, respectively. These cells will include representation from relevant chambers of commerce and industry, realtors, and business associations.
A feedback mechanism for visitors to NAB offices is being introduced, including a proforma in English and Urdu, to provide written feedback on their experience, including waiting times and interactions with investigating officers.
Pending complaints that do not meet the new criteria will be disposed of by the respective Regional Bureaus. During the initial complaint verification process, NAB officers are prohibited from contacting defendants. If a complaint is filed against a woman, she may be accompanied by a blood relative during the investigation, or a female NAB officer will conduct the inquiry.
These reforms represent a significant step in the NAB’s efforts to streamline its processes and focus on major corruption and money laundering cases, emphasizing the respect for individual dignity and the rule of law.